The Importance of Heart Health

Can Red Wine Improve Heart Health?

Thanks to the “French Paradox,” the scientific community has been researching the health benefits of red wine, particularly in regards to heart health over the last 30 years or so. The French Paradox originated from a 1992 study published in June 1992 edition of the Lancet, a weekly peer-reviewed general medical journal. In particular, the study postulated that moderate consumption of red wine helps French people, who generally consume foods high in saturated fat, manage coronary heart disease (CHD). Below is some more information about the benefits of red wine for heart health.

Recent Red Wine Research

Recent news from Wine Spectator indicated that red wine can improve blood flow, improve blood vessels’ lining function, increase HDL cholesterol, “good cholesterol,” levels, reduce blood clots and slow down the aging process in our muscles and neurons. In other words, red wine could lower the risk of heart disease and help us live longer. To enjoy these benefits, however, you have to drink red wine in moderation – at most, one drink per day for women and two drinks for men. Another recent animal study from the Washington State University found that resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red wine, could help convert flab into calorie-burning ‘brown’ fat.

Resveratrol and Red Wine

Research has linked the heart benefits to resveratrol. According to the Oregon State University, resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound produced by various plants including grapes, peanuts and berries of the Vaccinium species. In grapes, it is found only in the skins. This means that the resveratrol content of wine depends on the length of fermentation time a wine spends in contact with grape skin. Compared to white and rose wines, red wine is typically in contact with grape skins the longest during the fermentation process. For this reason, red wine has the highest resveratrol content. It is worth noting that the resveratrol content of grape juice is relatively low because grape juice does not undergo fermentation.

Supplementation and Heart Health

If you’re not keen to drinking red wine to experience it’s many benefits for heart health, you may give supplementation a try. There are numerous great heart focused supplements on the market today.

One of my favorites is StrictionBP. StrictionBP improves heart health with three key components – Ceylon Cinnamon, Magnesium Malate and Vitamin B6. These ingredients offer a natural way to reduce your blood pressure, which could prevent numerous diseases. Check out StrictionBP.com today or read this review for more information.

Why Red Wine is Good for Your Heart

The heart benefits of red wine are largely due to the synergistic effects of ethanol and antioxidants. Specifically, resveratrol and other polypehnolic compounds, including anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and flavonols, are potent antioxidants that fight inflammation. On the other hand, ethanol reduces oxidation and optimizes cholesterol levels. In fact, a 1999 study published in the Journal of the American College Nutrition found regular consumption of small amounts of red wine could help reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol and oxidation by as much as 50%.

Other Health Benefits of Red Wine

Besides improving your heart health, research has shown that the powerful antioxidants in red wine can reduce the risk of cancer, depression, insulin resistance, dementia and type 2 diabetes in women. Again, to enjoy these benefits, you have to consume red wine in moderation.

Word of Caution

While research has shown red wine contains resveratrol and other antioxidants that can help lower your heart disease risk, excessive consumption of red wine can cause damage to your heart muscle, abnormal heartbeat, high blood pressure, weight gain and make your more susceptible to diabetes. All these conditions are risk factors for heart disease. In fact, you should shun alcohol if you have a genetic predisposition to heart disease.

Conclusion

Red wine contains powerful antioxidants compounds that offer myriad health benefits including reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, depression, insulin resistance and dementia. However, to enjoy these benefits, you should drink small amounts of red wine regularly. As with everything, keep it in moderation and enjoy a long, happy life!

What do you think about drinking red wine for heart health? Leave a comment below!

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